Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport

Built in 1959 by the order of late ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai International Airport was the first airport in the UAE - featuring a single, 1 .8km runway and situated 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of the city centre. Today, it is the fastest growing airport in the Middle East, nominated for the prestigious “Best Airport” award in 2002 and 2003 by the IATA (International Air Transport Association).

Airport Facilities

Under continuous development, Dubai International Airport currently has 2 terminals, accommodating 110 airlines which connect the city to more than 140 global destinations. The airport offers a unique “Meet-and Greet” hospitality service known as “Marhaba” for passenger assistance and “Welcome/Bon Voyage” services for arrivals and departures.

Terminals

Terminal 1 is the hub of the Dubai International Airport and was reopened in April 2000 following the 2nd stage of its expansion program commenced in 1997. The terminal is 800m long and connects to the check-in hail by a 300m underground tunnel with a moving walkway. The terminal features an Advanced Passenger Clearance System (known as e-gate) utilizing smart card entry/exit through immigration, electronically screening passengers’ data instead of their passport. Terminal 1 comprises five levels; Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Airport Hotel and Departure/Arrivals Halls.

The Duty Free complex covers an area of some 5.400sqm, while the operation in Terminal 2 covers over 1 ,400sq m. Arrivals shops and landside shops bring the total retail space to over 7,000sq m and is designed to maximize both retail and shopper experiences.

The terminal has 27 boarding gates, 47 aerobridges and a total of 36 lounges to accommodate passengers of first and business class, airline and regular/ economy. It also contains a business centre, health club, currency exchange, dining & entertainment facilities, internet services, medical centre, post office and a prayer room.

Regardless of the time zone your body is set to, the wealth of culinary choices available at the Sheikh Rashid Terminal will satisfy. The bright and airy Food Court with its floor length windows offers a host of options including a French Patisserie, an Indian, a Far Eastern restaurant, an ala carte restaurant and the Irish Village bar and lounge on the Departure level.

Future Plans

The second stage of the airport expansion program commenced in early 2002 is expected to complete by 2008. This program includes the development of Terminal 3, Concourse 2, Concourse 3, a Mega Cargo Terminal, Rower Centre and Apron Area. The new terminal and concourses will be dedicated to Emirates Airlines flights and operations.